Great packaging. Classy semi-gloss crimson box, with a bauble-shaped window, which fits very well with the overall box design. The carboard is weighty and looks luxurious, as well as being robust.
The box has a cardboard inlay, with an opening for each pie – no flimsy plastic trays here. Opening the packet reveals a lovely boozy, spicy aroma. The appearance is pretty consistent, with the pie tops aligned well with the bases. Each pie has a really good depth, and the simple ‘H’ atop each one is all that’s needed to tell you who has made these. Not a topping snowflake or star to be seen.
A sprinkling of caster sugar gives a lovely crunch as you bite in. The pastry is excellent, clearly with a high butter percentage, and it’s crisp and thin.
The mincemeat is a little oversweet for me, and unfortunately there’s an air gap of about a third of the pie volume. There’s a great warming taste and scent of ginger, quite a rarity in the pies available this year. The base is thicker than the sides, and so Harrods have been considerate of handholding whilst warm – this is an afternoon tea pie of real quality, and you’ll want a second one.
The question, always, with the high-end pies…. are they worth their price premium? At £10 for six, I’m not quite convinced. But then, I don’t mark on value for money.
Packaging – 10
Appearance – 9
Filling – 7
Taste – 8
Overall score 34/40